Dana delighted as daughter says ‘I do’

John Fallon

The former Eurovision winner and MEP admitted she was a "basket of nerves" as her eldest daughter Grace walked down the aisle at the picturesque St Enda's Church in the Connemara village.

Bride Grace Scallon was a minute late for each of her 23 years as she tied the knot with US Army Officer Patrick Koucheravy, 25.

The couple met in New York where Grace graduated with a degree in media communications and they will reside there after a two weeks honeymoon in Malta.

Typical West of Ireland morning drizzle started to give way to a brighter

afternoon as the wedding party arrived for the 1pm ceremony where Fr Kevin Scallon, an uncle of the bride, was the chief celebrant.

A clearly nervous Dana, who wore a dress from McElhinney's in Ballybofey and John Rocha jewellery, said: "Grace is taking everything in her stride. She looks absolutely beautiful and I am delighted for Patrick and herself." The father of the bride, Damien Scallon, was taking everything in his stride, along with his sons John James, 19, and Robert, 15.

"I suppose you could say it was a pretty exciting morning but with the weather changing every few minutes it gave people something to talk about," he said.

The bride wore an ivory duchess satin dress with chapel train, fitted strapless bodice with satin buttons at side and a silk tulle chapel length veil.

The chief bridesmaid was Grace's younger sister Ruth, 21, while the best man was Mike Lee, a friend of the groom.

Over 250 guests, including around 70 from America, attended the wedding reception at the Connemara Coast Hotel.

Music was provided by the Black Magic Band, the Keely Family Irish dancers and three sean nos singers, but it remained to be seen last night if the mother of the bride would take the microphone.